EP0044584A1 - Method of assembling two sections - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a method for assembling two shaped sections (1, 2) at intersecting directions. This method consists in engaging one of the shaped sections, 2, into a slot fashioned in the other 1, and in locking the latter using cotters 3 comprising a rod with a thinned segment on part of its periphery; each cotter is introduced by simple sliding action in a hole with its thinned part in contact with the shaped section 2 and then is made to pivot to ensure the locking. The invention is applicable in particular to the housing and construction industries to assemble balustrade or stairway uprights and rails.

Description

The invention relates to a method of assembling two sections in intersecting, in particular perpendicular directions; it extends to keys adapted for the implementation of this process. The invention can in particular be applied in the building and construction sector for assembling uprights and rails (high or low) of railings.

Methods of assembling profiles are currently known, in particular in the building sector indicated above, which consist in causing one of the profiles to penetrate the other and in blocking the two profiles by means of a key inserted by force. in one or more holes made in one of the profiles; reference may be made to FR patent No. 2,128,366 or FR patent No. 2,268,920 for more details on this type of assembly. These assemblies have several advantages, in particular those of good mechanical strength, great simplicity of the elements used since they require the presence of a simple key and the aesthetic nature of their appearance (the key located in one of the profiles can be hidden).

However, these assemblies have two drawbacks which in practice have proved to be very troublesome. First, the force-fitting of the key is a difficult and impractical operation which causes scratches on the profiles. In addition, once made, the assembly is extremely difficult to disassemble and always leads to a certain deterioration of the profiles. These faults could not be eliminated so far without significantly complicating the structure of the assembly; _'' , the simplicity of the assembly and therefore its reduced cost are essential qualities for this type of device (used in particular in the building where a high number of assemblies are to be carried out repeatedly), so that the problem is currently badly solved for several years now.

The present invention proposes to remedy the aforementioned defects of known assemblies and to indicate an improved assembly method which combines the advantages of the conventional / / / assembly methods / (simplicity and low cost of the organs used, good mechanical strength, aesthetic character) with great ease of implementation and the possibility of easy disassembly if necessary.

• . on utilise une ou des clavettes comprenant une tige de section amincie sur une partie de sa périphérie,
• . on pratique dans le second profilé au moins un trou de diamètre adapté pour permettre le passage des tiges de clavette, chaque trou étant positionné à une distance du chant d'extrémité du second profilé telle que, une fois le second profilé en place dans la fenêtre du premier avec son chant en appui contre les retours de celui-ci, ledit trou présente une portion apparente débordant par rapport à la paroi du premier profilé sur une hauteur au moins égale à l'épaisseur de la tige de clavette au niveau de sa partie amincie, et inférieure à l'épaisseur de ladite tige au niveau d'une partie non amincie,
• . on introduit le second profilé dans la fenêtre du premier profilé jusqu'à disposer son chant d'extrémité en appui contre les retours du premier profilé,
• . on introduit chaque clavette dans la portion apparente d'un trou du second profilé en disposant-sa partie amincie contre la paroi du premier profilé,
• . et on fait pivoter chaque clavette autour de l'axe longitudinal de sa tige en vue d'amener une partie non amincie de celle-ci en pression contre la paroi du premier profilé.

To this end, the process targeted by the invention for the assembly of two sections, one of which comprises a wall bordered by two wings provided with returns, is of the type in which a window of corresponding section is practiced in the wall. to that of the second profile, in the second profile is made at least one hole for the passage of a key, the second profile is introduced into the window of the first profile and the key is introduced into the hole of the second profile. The process according to the present invention is characterized in that:

• . one or more keys are used comprising a rod with a thinned section on a part of its periphery,
• . at least one hole with a diameter adapted to allow the passage of the key rods is made in the second profile, each hole being positioned at a distance from the end edge of the second profile such that, once the second profile is in place in the window of the first with its edge resting against the returns thereof, said hole has an apparent portion projecting from the wall of the first profile over a height at least equal to the thickness of the key rod at its part thinned, and less than the thickness of said rod at an unthinned part,
• . the second profile is introduced into the window of the first profile until its end edge rests against the returns of the first profile,
• . each key is introduced into the visible portion of a hole in the second profile by placing its thinned part against the wall of the first profile,
• . and each key is pivoted about the longitudinal axis of its rod in order to bring an unthinned part of the latter in pressure against the wall of the first profile.

The implementation of such a method is easy to execute and does not involve any delicate operation. Linen each key is produced by simply sliding it into the. visible portion of the corresponding hole, without risk of scratching the profiles. The pivoting of the key then ensures a blocking of the two profiles, which allows the assembly to benefit from excellent mechanical strength.

In order to facilitate the pivoting of the keys, each of these has a rod, preferably provided with an extension not aligned with the latter, for example forming a right angle with the latter; pivoting is very easily ensured by maneuvering said extension to bring it into abutment or near the wall of the first section.

If necessary, disassembly is possible by performing the reverse maneuver which releases the key and allows it to be removed from the hole by simple pulling without risk of damaging the profiles.

According to an advantageous embodiment, one can use a key having a cylindrical rod of diameter -d-, truncated by a flat over a thickness e to make its thinned part; each hole made in the second profile is then positioned so that the edge of the latter is located at a distance H from the end edge, such that Dd <, H, <D-d + e, where D is the distance separating the returns and the wall of the first profile. As will be understood better below, this condition guarantees both the easy introduction of the key by orienting it so that its flat slides against the wall of the first profile, and obtaining a blockage when turns said key to bring its unthinned cylindrical part in pressure against this wall of the first profile.

Depending on the applications, assembly can be carried out with one, two or a greater number of keys. In the case of a single key, the hole for the positioning thereof is preferably made approximately in the median plane of the second profile, so that the blocking is ensured approximately symmetrically with respect to the profiles .

In many applications, it is advantageous to provide two keys which provide resistance high mechanical strength of the assembly; two holes are then made in the second profile, one on one side of the median plane thereof, the other on the other side.

The present invention extends, as a means of implementing the method, to the keys of the type mentioned above, comprising a rod and a rod extension not aligned with it, in which the rod has a thinned section on part of its periphery, this thinned section extending over the entire length of said rod.

The invention is particularly applicable in the building sector, the first profile being in particular constituted by a railing rail and the second profile by a railing upright; the profiles can be of light alloy or other material.

• - la figure 1 représente en perspective les éléments d'un assemblage, prêts à être montés,
• - la figure 2 est une vue schématique à échelle dilatée avec coupe frontale selon A, d'une clavette conforme à l'invention,
• - la figure 3 est une vue de profil de cette clavette,
• - les figures 4, 5, 6, 7 et 8 illustrent le procédé d'assemblage,
• - la figure 9 présente en perspective l'assemblage réalisé,
• - les figures 10 et 11 illustrent une variante du procédé d'assemblage.

Other characteristics, objects and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description which follows with reference to the appended drawings, which present by way of nonlimiting examples an embodiment and a variant in the field of application below. above mentioned; on these drawings which form an integral part of the description:

• FIG. 1 shows in perspective the elements of an assembly, ready to be mounted,
• FIG. 2 is a schematic view on an expanded scale with a front section along A, of a key according to the invention,
• FIG. 3 is a side view of this key,
• - Figures 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 illustrate the assembly process,
• FIG. 9 shows in perspective the assembly produced,
• - Figures 10 and 11 illustrate a variant of the assembly process.

The profiles to be assembled, shown by way of example in the figures, are made of light aluminum alloy and are constituted by a high rail 1 of the railing (first profile) and by an upright 2 of railing (second profile) .

The stringer 1 is formed by a wall la, two lateral wings lb, lc and two short returns ld and returning it towards the inside of the profile parallel to the wall la. On this heddle can be snapped in the conventional way, after assembly, a handrail which closes it above.

Each upright 2, called to be assembled with this heald, in the example has a section in the form of a double Y, of width slightly less than that of the wall la of the heald.

The assembly is carried out by means of two keys such as 3, each comprising a rod 3a and an extension 3b, in the example oriented at 90 ° pariapport this rod. The rod 3a has a cylindrical section with a flat 3c which truncates it over a thickness e, over part of its periphery, so as to form a thinned part.

In the example, the extension 3b is approximately located in the plane of symmetry P of the flat 3c (plane of symmetry of the thinned part of the rod). In addition, this extension 3b has a length significantly shorter than the width of the wall la of the heddle in order to be able to be folded against it as will be seen below.

The flat 3c is substantially planar and extends over the entire length of the rod, so as to subtend an angle at the apex α of the order of 60 °. In practice, this angle which will depend on the application and the nature of the materials of the assembly, may be chosen in a range from 30 ° to 90 °.

The key rod 3a may for example have a diameter -d- of the order of 3 mm, and be truncated over a thickness e substantially between 3 / 10e mm and 8 / 10emm (This value therefore represents the difference in thickness between the thinned part and the unthinned part of the rod).

In addition, the end of the rod 3a can be biased as shown in FIG. 3, in order to facilitate its introduction into one of the holes in the upright 2.

The first step of the method consists in practicing in a manner known per se for this type of assembly, a window 4 in the wall 1a of the heddle 1, this window having a shape corresponding to the section of the upright 2 to allow engagement therein. this one with gentle friction.

Two cylindrical holes such as 5 are then te practiced in the amount 2. Each hole has a diameter d + equal to the clearance close to that of the rods 3a of keys.

These holes _. are positioned with respect to the end edge 2a of the upright so that the distance H from their edge relative to this edge (Fig. 4 and 5) satisfies the condition: D - d <H ≤ D - d + e, where D is the distance between the returns ld, le and the wall la of the beam.

Preferably, one will choose for H a value equal to D - d + e or close to this value which corresponds to the most effective blocking with a given key. In each application, these holes thus positioned can be very quickly made using a template.

Once the holes 5 have been made, the upright 2 is introduced into the window 4 of the heald 1 until the edge 2a of said upright comes to bear against the returns ld and of the heald.

In this position, taking into account the above-mentioned positioning of the holes 5, these have a portion located at the level of the wall 1a of the heddle and an apparent portion projecting relative to this wall; this visible portion has a height equal to or slightly greater than the thickness (d-e) of the key rod at its flat 3c.

This makes it possible to introduce, by a simple sliding, the key rods into each of the two holes 5 by placing the flat 3c thereof against the wall la of the heald, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.

Preferably, one of the keys is introduced from one side of the upright and the other from the other side, so that their extension 3b does not get in the way when they are folded down.

Each key 3 is then caused to pivot about 90 ° towards the median plane M of the upright by maneuvering its extension 3b to bring it into abutment or near the wall la of the heddle. This maneuver can be executed very quickly with a simple hammer blow.

The assembly is then completed. During the rotation of the key, the flat 3c has given way to an unthinned cylindrical part of the key rod 3 and the upright 2 has been blocked and locked between the say keys and the two returns ld and the smooth.

Note that in the example, the wings 1b and 1c of the heald are slightly inclined towards the inside, their arrangement allowing a complementary blocking of the upright by pressing in the upper part on said wings in the vicinity of their junction with the returns. This additional blocking is not compulsory but can be recommended if significant lateral forces are likely to be exerted on one of the profiles; it can be obtained by any other means, for example by the presence of short ribs provided on the heald returns, in line with the side uprights.

The disassembly of the assembly is carried out just as easily as the assembly, it suffices to pivot the keys 3 in the opposite direction (in particular by means of a tool with a thin edge) and to remove them.

Figures 10 and 11 illustrate a variant of the method, which may be preferred in the case of assembly subjected to vibrations.

In this variant, keys 6 are used, the extension 6b of which lies in a plane P1 angularly offset with respect to the plane of symmetry P of the flat part 6c of the key rod (forming the thinned part thereof).

The assembly process is similar to that previously described, but each key 6 is made to pivot by an angle greater than 90 °; the locking of the assembly is thus significantly improved.

Note that, in this variant, having 1es two keys on each side of the amount allows to provide a unique type of key.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the terms of the preceding description but includes all of its variants. The keys with their flat surface can be produced by any process.

In general, the invention extends to any section of the key rod comprising, on one sector, a thinned part and, on a neighboring sector, an unthinned part.

Similarly, the terms "wings", "returns" used to define the structure of the first profile must be taken in the widest sense, the returns can join if necessary to form a continuous face.

Claims (10)

1 / - Method for assembling two sections in intersecting directions, in particular substantially perpendicular, the first section (1) comprising a wall (la) bordered by two wings (lb, lc) provided with returns (Id, le), said assembly method being of the type in which a window (4) of section corresponding to that of the second profile (2) is practiced in the wall (la) of the first profile (1), we practice in the second profile (2) at least one hole for the passage of a key, the second profile (2) is introduced into the window (4) of the first profile (1) and the key (3) is introduced into the hole of the second profile, said method being characterized in that: . one or more keys (3) are used comprising a rod (3a) of thinned section over part of its periphery, . in the second profile (2) at least one hole (5) of diameter adapted to allow the passage of the key rods (3a) is practiced, each hole (5) being positioned at a distance from the end edge (2a) of the second section such that, once the second section in place in the window (4) of the first with its edge (2a) resting against the returns (ld, le) thereof, said hole (5) has an apparent portion projecting from the wall (la) of the first profile over a height at least equal to the thickness of the key rod (3a) at its thinned part, and less than the thickness of said rod at an unthinned part, . the second profile (2) is introduced into the window (4) of the first profile (l) until its end edge (2a) rests against the returns (ld, le) of the first profile, . each key (3) is introduced into the visible portion of a hole (5) of the second profile by placing its thinned part against the wall (la) of the first profile, . and each key (3) is pivoted about the longitudinal axis of its rod (3a) in order to bring an unthinned part of the latter in pressure against the wall (la) of the first profile. 2 / - Method according to claim 1, characterized in that one uses a key (3) having a cylindrical rod (3a) of diameter d, truncated by a flat (3c) over a thickness -e- to achieve its part thinned, and in that each hole (5) made in the second profile (2) is positioned so that the edge of this hole is located at a distance H from the end edge (2a), such that D - d <H ≤ D - d + e, where D is the distance between the wall (la) and the returns (ld, le) of the first profile. 3 / - Method according to claim 2, in which one or more holes (5) are made in the second profile (2), of diameter substantially equal, apart from play, to that of the key (s) (3a), characterized in that this or these holes (5) are positioned so that the distance H is equal to D - d + e or close to this value. 4 / - Method according to one of claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that one uses one or more keys (3) having a rod (3a) provided with an extension (3b) not aligned with it- ci and in that the pivoting of each key (3) is ensured by maneuvering said extension (3b) to bring it into abutment or near the wall (la) of the first profile. 5 / - Method according to claim 4, characterized in that one or more keys (3) are used whose extension (3b) is located approximately in the plane of symmetry P of the thinned part of the rod (3a) , each key being made to pivot by an angle of the order of 90 °. 6 / - Method according to claim 4, characterized in that one or more keys (6) are used whose extension (6b) is in a plane P ₁ angùlairement offset from the plane of symmetry P of the thinned part of the rod (6a), each key (6) being caused to pivot by an angle greater than 90 °. 7 / - Method according to one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, characterized in that one uses two independent keys (3) and in that one performs, for the setting place of these, two holes (5) located on either side of the median plane M of the second profile (2). 8 / - Method according to claim 7, charac terized in that the two keys (3) are introduced into the holes (5) of the second profile (2), one from one side thereof, the other from the other side, said keys (3) then being made to pivot towards the median plane M of the second profile. 9 / - Key for implementing the method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a rod (3a) and an extension (3b) not aligned therewith, characterized in that the rod (3a) has a thinned section over part of its periphery, this thinned section extending over the entire length of said rod. 10 / - Key according to claim 9, characterized in that the rod (3a) is substantially cylindrical, its thinned section being formed by a flat (3c) underlying an apex angle α between 30 ° and 90 °.

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